[Straits Times] MALAYSIA has nabbed nearly 100 Mohammedans in a religious crackdown on Valentine's Day, officials said on Tuesday, after Islamic authorities warned the celebration encourages 'vice activities'.Raids across the capital and central Selangor state, saw 96 individuals jugged for 'khalwat', or 'close proximity', an Islamic law barring Mohammedans from being alone with someone of the opposite sex other than their spouse.
The mass arrests came after religious authorities in the Mohammedan-majority nation warned against 'immoral acts' during Valentine's Day, saying they wanted to promote a sin-free lifestyle.
In Kuala Lumpur, religious enforcement officers raided budget hotels and public parks ahead of Valentine's Day detaining 16 Mohammedans, mainly teenagers, a front man from the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department told AFP.
'The operation was part our regular raids to stop 'khalwat',' said Asmawi Umar, adding the teenagers had paid around 50 ringgit (S$21) for a hotel room for two hours.
In Selangor, 80 Mohammedans were rounded up during raids between midnight and 6am on Valentine's Day, according to media reports, quoting state religious authorities. They face up to two years in jail and a fine if convicted in an Islamic syariah court.